New Grand Banks 52
New Grand Banks model: the GB52 continues the reinvention of the builder’s cruising legacy with a new flying-bridge motor yacht
Grand Banks Yachts Limited is proud to introduce the latest model in its reborn lineup, the Grand Banks 52. The boat comes on the heels of the successful introduction of the Grand Banks 60 and the GB60 Skylounge. The GB52 will continue to grow the company’s business of creating efficient hulls that are strong and light, and finished with comfortable, welcoming interiors designed for cruisers. The new GB52 will make her debut in late summer of 2019.The GB52 will have a fully infused hull that is designed to stay in the water and slice through with a sharp forefoot and semi-displacement warped shape. The design of the GB52 is consistent with the recently launched GB60, using fully infused carbon fiber for the decks and superstructure to lower the center of gravity. A fully cored structure is employed using PVCfoam coreand SAN Corecellin areas of specific application, sandwiched between skins of stitched multi-axial carbon fiber, bonded with vinylester and epoxy resins and supported by infused composite panels in a robust grid system.
The result is a hull that leaves minimal wake as it performs consistently throughout the rpm range, with the same running attitude and steering feel whether she’s running at 10 knots or 30 knots. That minimal wake means little energy is wasted creating waves and pushing water out of the way.
The standard engine package for the GB52 will be a pair of 725-horsepower Volvo Penta D11s coupled to shafts, chosen for the model’s excellent low-end torque, efficient operation, and low sound and vibration levels. The efficiency will show in the performance but also the range, as the GB52 is expected to be able to cruise 1,000 miles at 10 knots, while a fast cruise estimated to be around 28 knots at 70% load.
“We emphasize cruising efficiency both in our hull design and matching it with propulsion,” says Mark Richards, CEO of Grand Banks. “The 52 will combine weight reduction, strength, and a low vertical center of gravity, just as we did on the 60 and 60 Skylounge. Of course, efficiency doesn’t matter without comfort, so we made sure the 52 will offer surefootedness in a wide range of sea states, and an interior worthy of extended time aboard.”
The GB52 will be available with either a two- or three-stateroom layout. The entire interior is fitted with the builder’s world-renowned craftsmanship using expertly blended golden teak. The two-stateroom layout has a galley down and features a starboard-side master stateroom amidships. The galley is just down the companionway from the main deck and situated to port, with an open, atrium-like feel beneath the raked windshield above for an airy space lit with natural light. The master has a private head with a walk-in shower. It also features a sizable dressing area with a large hanging locker and stowage suitable for extended cruising. The guest stateroom in the bow has use of the second head, located to port, which also serves as the boat’s day head.
The three-stateroom layout places the master in the bow, with a private head to port. A pair of double guest staterooms are amidships in a side-by-side configuration. The starboard guest stateroom has private access to the second head, which is shared through passageway access with the second guest stateroom. This second head also serves as a day head. With this layout, the galley is placed on the main deck on the port side, opposite the helm.
Both layouts benefit from a large salon seating area with an L-shaped settee to port, served by a versatile dining table. Opposite is a pair of loveseats with a cocktail table in a fore-and-aft arrangement, ideal for an intimate conversation between a pair of couples. From the salon, cockpit access is through a centerline door, where a transom settee invites alfresco dining. Stairs on the starboard side of the cockpit lead to the flying bridge, where a boat deck aft holds a tender and is served by a davit. The upper helm station has helm and companion seats while an L-shaped settee with a table invites more alfresco entertaining. Abaft the engine room is a finely finished lazarette for additional stowage and space for spare parts.
Prospective owners will understand the benefit of working with Grand Banks through the factory-direct sales structure, which will allow equipment to meet specification for a turn-key cruising yacht. Although the standard equipment list for the GB52 is not yet complete, the boat will include a 15-kW generator, reverse-cycle air conditioning, an entertainment center, a refrigerator and freezer, a tender with outboard and a davit on the boat deck, and all canvas. The main item left to owner’s discretion is the navigation electronics.
The Grand Banks 52 will be available in the late summer of 2019 for viewing and sea trials.
